Idea for Woodward Park eatery opposed

A Fresno architect is leading a push to bring a Benihana restaurant to Woodward Park, saying the chain restaurant will help finance a new Japanese cultural center at the park and bring jobs and tax revenues to Fresno.

But the plan has run into early opposition from Fresno City Council Member Jerry Duncan, who said Wednesday that he would fight allowing a large commercial enterprise in the park, a "treasure" that lies in his district.

Paul Saito, the architect who designed Woodward Park's Shinzen Japanese Garden, said he has discussed with Miami-based Benihana Inc. the idea of building a 10,000-square-foot restaurant with 200 parking spots near the garden, on property leased from the city.

Saito said a developer working with the restaurant chain, who he declined to identify, has expressed interest in helping the city finance the construction of a Japanese cultural center as part of the deal, as well as give financial support to the undermaintained Shinzen Garden.

"I think it's a win-win for the community," he said.

Representatives of Benihana Inc. did not return phone calls seeking comment Wednesday.

Last month, Saito said, he took the proposal to Fresno city officials.

After that meeting, Fresno Mayor Alan Autry wrote a letter to Benihana expressing the city's interest in discussing the proposal.

"It's something worthwhile to talk about," Autry said Wednesday. "The only thing I've signed off on is that we are interested in pursuing further discussion."

But Duncan, whose district includes Woodward Park, said he'll fight the idea of a major restaurant in the park.

"A restaurant of that size inside a place where we want and expect peace and serenity, it would really just have a huge negative impact on the atmosphere of that park," he said.

Outside of Woodward Park, "I certainly welcome Benihana's to Fresno," he added. "We could recommend someplace for them that will be far less controversial and will help their business even more."

Earlier this week, Duncan posted on his Web site a note expressing why he opposed the plan, along with an electronic copy of Autry's letter to Benihana.

He also pointed out that in 1996, Saito joined Fresno restaurateur Ichiro Yoshino in an attempt to build a Yoshino's restaurant in the same location in the park. But the plan was withdrawn for lack of public support, Duncan said.

Saito said he thought a Benihana restaurant would be less disruptive to the park's atmosphere than existing facilities, such as the Rotary Amphitheater, which holds concerts. And compared to his 1996 push for a restaurant, the current Benihana proposal involved a long-term lease, rather than a sale of city land, he said.

Autry said that the city will have to hear much more from Benihana before any judgment about the merit of the project can be made.

"It would have to be an enhancement of the park," he said. "Something like this has to serve the whole community. To compromise Woodward Park is not something I would support. But let's not make judgments before we have more details. It's worth it to sit down and listen, and not close the door completely."

Duncan said he wanted Fresno residents to get involved in the discussion.

"My hope is that the people of the city of Fresno can learn about this now," he said. "If they have concerns -- or if they think it's a great idea -- they should let the city know."